Sunday, August 28, 2011

After many discussions and portrayals the Civil War was put to rest (we hope). Slaves (portrayed) discussed the emotional stress of slavery to people and family, while Isabel Wilkerson (author of The Warmth of Other Suns) reminded us of what it was like to be black during the Jim Crow era and the Great Migration north.

Williamsburg portrayers

Isabel Wilkerson

We were saddened by this historical reference and the ending of another season. However, the UM House was alive with a very cohesive unit and a dynamic leader.

Chaplain Beth McKee

Saturday meal on the porch

Our 9th Week Gang

Late night discussions

The connections made were warm and hopefully lasting. In addition we experienced great music.

The Beach Boys

and their 'little deuce coup'

More:

Orchard Park Emmanuel tea party team

Harold and Sandra Steiner, Meadville, Pa.

This couple eloped and was married 46 years ago in our House.

The view from our porch says the end of the season is at hand. It has been another great summer.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have it," said Maya Angelou. This week we saw many creative individuals at Chautauqua and the UM House. Rev. Otis Moss and the Trinity United Church Choir, Amy Jill Levine (Vanderbilt Univ.), Music School Festival Orchestra, the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, the North Carolina Dance Company and dance students, Diane Ackerman (One HundredNames for Love), Rev. Paul Womack (Hurlbut Church), Rev. John Miller (UM House Chaplain), Blood, Sweat and Tears and many more talented people.

Otis Moss, the 3rd

Blood Sweat and Tears

"Spinning Wheel"

North Carolina Dance Studio

Our dancers

The Chautauqua Symphony

Diane Ackerman

At 14 Pratt Avenue the creative genius of Rev. John Miller and Rev. Paul Womack provided us with many thought provoking moments.

Friday, August 12, 2011

This was the week that the youth of America (Nick's favorite word) populated the UM House. Helen, Nick, Ben and Sam were the center of attention, even though the 'economy' was playing across the street in the Amphitheater. They participated in Boys and Girls Club, Robotics and Geo Caching as the porch looked on frustrated by the state of the economy but refreshed by the carefree presence of these kids.

Oldest Youth Club in America

An uplifting addition to our yard

Boys, beach and bikes

Nighttime visitor, Audrey

Doug sees 'double'

Monday madness team at Hurlbut

Waiting in the rain for the bus

Back at the UM House the Chaplain, Wendy Deichmann, Pres. of United Theological Seminary in Dayton and our guests listened to speakers attempt to explain the financial crisis. With no answers available they watched the youthful exuberance of our kids and wondered why the world worries; the youth of the world will find a way out of the mess we created.

Chaplain Wendy

Juanita sings a gospel hymn

Dewittville dynamos

Buffalo Buddies

Some other activities from Chautauqua this week:

Orchestra ovation

Al and Val, porch regulars

Cleveland Jazz!!!

Origami by Yamamoto

Clint Black croons

Nick and Judy

Two generations show how a love fest can take place at Chautauqua and the United Methodist House.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

'Celebration' said Lionel Richie and Chautauqua and the UM House did just that with a week of cake and punch as we celebrated the 137th year of the Institution, the 35th running of the Old First Night Run/Walk, 130 year anniversary of the CLSC and a concentrated study of Iran (Persia before 1935).